November 17, 2006

US offshore aquaculture company testifies on organic fish farming
 

A Hawaii-based offshore fish farming company dispelled notions that fish farms are not organic and environmentally unsustainable in a presented testimony to the National Organic Standards Board in Washington, D.C.

Kona Blue President Neil A. Sims, as a representative of the Organic Seafood Council, said the belief that fish farming is inconsistent with organic principles is misunderstood and sought to outline the company's approaches toward environmental monitoring.

With the first integrated marine hatchery and open ocean fish farm in the US, Kona Blue says it has demonstrated that commercial scale open ocean aquaculture can be profitable and environmentally sustainable.

Through innovative hatchery techniques and advanced ocean engineering, Kona Blue is now growing sashimi-grade Kona Kampachi (a Hawaiian yellowtail fish) in waters over 200 ft deep.

Sims said the company is committed to environmentally-sound aquaculture, and believes that open ocean fish farming can and should be organic.

The company began culturing Kona Kampachi, four years ago. The company had its first harvest a year ago.

Kona Blue Chief Executive Officer Michael Wink said the company's model works because educated consumers are willing to pay for sustainability.